‘Day of reckoning’ for man who fled €305 taxi fare in Longford

A 23 year old man who tried to evade a taxi fare of €305 and who was also involved in a separate incident of a violent brawl in Longford Courthouse, has been remanded on continuing bail until November 25 and ordered to bring the full fare to court.

Paddy Joe Doyle with an address of Bay 1, Tuam Road Halting Site, and who is already before the court on a number of charges, was further arrested and charged at Longford Courthouse by Garda Cathal Slattery prior to his appearance in court last Tuesday.

In the stand, Garda Cathal Slattery gave evidence in which he stated how on February 4, 2025, he was in Longford District Court when at 11.30am, he heard a commotion outside the courtroom. He told Judge Owens that when he and a number of Gardaí went to investigate, they witnessed “two males engaging in a physical altercation.”

Garda Slattery added that both men were quickly separated and he identified one of the accused as Paddy Joe Doyle. Garda Slattery added that both men “were arrested on Section 6 and brought back to court.”

Specifically, Mr Doyle was charged with having “used or engaged in threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace” contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (public order) Act 1994 as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.

After hearing the summary of facts, Judge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction, meaning the matter can be dealt with in her district court.

Regarding the matter of his alleged failure to pay the taxi fare, Judge Owens addressed the defendant directly, asking him if he would like to have his case heard in the district court or the circuit court. Confirming his court of choice as that of district, Mr Doyle also said he was pleading guilty to the offence.

In delivering a summary of events, sergeant for the state, Enda Daly, told the court that at 10.20pm on August 20, 2024, the defendant ordered a taxi in Galway with two other males, however upon arrival in Longford town, Mr Doyle was captured on CCTV running away after refusing to pay the €305 fare. The incident occurred on Dublin Street, Longford.

“I presume he has the €305 with him?” Judge Owens asked defending solicitor, John Quinn, after hearing his request for a two week adjournment on the matter.

“We will have, Judge, that’s why I’m asking for two weeks,” Mr Quinn replied.

“This goes back to August 30, 2024!” Judge Owens pointed out. “He knew this day of reckoning was coming! Why doesn’t he have the money today?”

“We will have it in a week, Judge,” Mr Quinn assured.

“The taxi man has been waiting over a year!” Judge Owens reminded him.

“And we won’t keep him waiting too much longer, I can assure you,” he promised.

Mr Doyle was remanded on continuing bail until November 25.